Chime clock control mechanism



June 16, 1953 L. A. MAAS CHIME CLOCK CONTROL MECHANISM 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Dec. 8; 1947 mmszzb uzS u uziu INVENTOR. 100/5 1? MM: BY

mmrtzu .Env/ME utio W1 utiu m 44m B. b5532 O wzoo M Blow m o June 16, 1953 MAAS CHIME CLOCK CONTROL MECHANISM 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Dec. 8, 1947 R M NH N EHJJ/R WM m g. 4 u w 1 Patented June 16, 1953 CHIME CLOCK CONTROL MECHANISM Louis A. Maas, Glendale, Calif., assignor to Maas- Rowe Electromusic Corporation, Los Angeles, Calii'., a corporation of California Application December 8, 1947, Serial No. 790,410

21 Claims.

This invention relates to a control system for an electrically actuated musical instrument which requires the initial actuating impulse to be sustained in order to sustain the tone or note sounded. Such a musical instrument usually consists of an electrically struck and electrically damped set of chimes or bells.

One of the most common melodies used for striking clocks is the Westminster Chimes, which are usually sounded by strikers operating on bells or other musically resonant devices such as metal tubes or pipes. However, other melodies may be used. At the conclusion of the melody, an hour toll is usually made on the hour. The

strikers, as commonly used, are often mechanically operated in periodic fashion, by the aid of clock-controlled mechanical elements, including gears, cams and springs. Often, such time controlled chimes are installed to produce a large volume of sound, as for churches, schools, civic It is another object of the invention to make it possible, by a simple adjustment, as by aid of an electric switch, to determine whether the chimes will be played each quarter hour, each half-hour, or each hour.

It is still another object of this invention to provide a system in which the automatic control can be entirely disconnected when desired, to keep the chimes inoperative.

It is still another object of this invention to make it possible optionally to prevent sounding of the hour strike, or playing of the melody.

It is still another object of this invention to provide electrical energy only when the melody or the hour strike is to be sounded, as by preconditioning the system just before the clock control is to function.

bells which are elecand the hour strike. It is another object of this invention to ensure that this circuit controller will be maintained in synchronism with the clock.

It is still another object of this invention to provide a chime control system that is simple and safe in operation, and accurate in the periods of timing.

It is another object of this invention to make it possible to sustain the last note of a melody, or of the hour strike, in electrically damped chimes or bells.

This invention possesses many other advantages, and has other objects which may be made more clearly apparent from a consideration of one embodiment of the invention. For this purpose there is shown a form in the drawings accompanying and forming part of the present specification. The form will now be described in detail illustrating the general principles of the invention; but it is to be understood that this detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, since the scope of this invention is best defined by the appended claims.

Referring to the drawings:

Figure 1 is a diagram of a system incorporating the invention;

Fig. 2 is an elevation of one form of circuit controller that may be utilized in connection with the invention;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary pictorial view, partly in section, of some of the elements of the circuit controller shown in Fig. 2; and

Fig. 4 is a diagram of one form of chime striker mechanism.

The particular features of the circuit controller shown in Figs. 2 and 3, and of the chime striker mechanism shown in Fig. 4, in themselves form no part of applicants invention; they are merely illustrative of devices of this character.

The devices producing the musical sounds are indicated as being included in the apparatus I which bears the legend chimes. The sound from these chimes may, if desired, be amplified by the aid of an amplifier system 2.

These chimes are electrically struck and electrically damped. Hence, when voltage is applied to a chime, a striker strikes the chime and, at the same time, removes the damper from the chime. The damper is prevented from damping the chime only so long as the initial voltage is applied. Hence, a chime will sound only so long as the voltage is impressed on the chime.

' These chimes are electrically operated. Thus. in the apparatus I are included devices for producmg and damping five distinct tones or musical -with the bar I50.

IE2 is first energized, the core Hid is momendamper it! rests on top of the bar 550.

sounds, and one of them may also be used as an hour chime. Electrical connections to these five chimes are indicated respectively by the conductors 3, l, 5, 6, and 7. When any of the chime operating circuits in which these conductors are placed is completed to a source of electrical energy, the chime will be struck. Upon de-energization of the corresponding circuit, the chimes or bells will be damped in the usual manner. Accordingly, to sustain a note, the circuit corresponding to the note to be sustained is kept energized for an interval.

The striker and damper mechanism may be of the character shown, for example, in Patent No. 2,484,745, issued to Paul H. Rowe. Figs. 4 and 6 of this issued patent show an electromagnet operating a striker, as well as a damper that serves to damp the vibrations of the vibratory bar as soon as the electromagnet is deenergized.

A simpler form of device that may be utilized for chime operation is illustrated in Fig. 4

vhereof.

Thus, a chime bar liit is shown as suspended by the aid of a suspension member E55. An extension 653 is provided for the core E54 of an electromagnet E52. This member l53 carries a felt cap I55 arranged, when the electromagnet is energized, to strike the chime bar I50 near its top.

In the deenergized position indicated, the lefthand end of the core Hid rests against a felt pad 456. When the electromagnet I52 is energized,

by completing the circuit through the conductors till, the core 5 3 is pulled rapidly toward the right to hit the bar I50 against the action of the compression spring H58. The normal position of the core 1% when it has been energized is such that the striker cap !55 is out of contact But when the electromagnet tarily pulled to the right beyond this equilibrium position to strike the bar l5d. This mode of operation is set forth in full in said prior patent.

Simultaneously with the energizing of electromagnet E52, another electromagnet I59 is ener- -L.

gized. These two electromagnets are supplied for this purpose in parallel from the common conductor E57.

Electromagnet I59 has a core 560 carrying at I its lower end a felt damper lfil. While the elecl tromagnets H52 and W9 are deenergized, the

However, when the electromagnets are simultaneously energized, the damper i6 is lifted and the chime bar E59 can vibrate and thereby sustain its note until circuit i5? is deenergized. When .this happens, the damper it! drops and the vibrations of, the bar I58 terminate.

Accordingly, upon energizing the circuit I51, the chime bar i556 is struck and will continue to vibrate while the electromagnets I52 and Hill are energized. Deenergization of the circuit immediately clamps the vibrations.

In order to provide an appropriately reduced electromotive force for these chime operating circuits, as well as for the other control circuits of the system, use is made of a step-down transformer i. The primary winding 9 of this transformer isconnected, as'by a plug 8, to an appropriate source of alternating current electrical energy. The secondary winding to has one terminal grounded, as at H. It has two taps, one

. tap l2 providing twenty-nine volts for the operation of the chimes.

The other tap it provides circles.

d twenty-four volts for the remainder of the control circuits.

The tap i2 forms a common return for the chime controlling circuits.

The chime operating circuit for chime No. l is controlled by the aid of a relay Hi. When relay M is energized, the circuit for the chime No. l is completed through the front contacts l and conductor 3. Similarly, the circuit through conductor 4 for operating chime No. 2 is completed when relay [6 is energized, thereby closing front contacts H. In the same manner, chime No. 3 is sounded when relay i8 is energized, closing the front contacts l9 that complete the circuit through conductor 5 for chime 3. The complete circuits for operating these chimes will be traced hereinafter. Actuation of chime 4 is effected by the aid of relay 2%. When this relay is energized, the front contacts 24 close, completing the circuit through conductor 6 for this chime.

The hour toll chime is sounded when relay 22 is energized, closing the front contacts 23. These front contacts 23 complete the circuit through conductor 1 for the hour note chime. These circuits will be traced in detail hereinafter. The circuits for the relays M, 56, i8, 20, and 22 are arranged to be completed by the aid of a melody disc, or drum, or other form of mechanism, preferably in the form of a rotary circuit controller. This rotary circuit controller apparatus is indicated generally by the rectangle 24. A small electric motor 25 is energized at the proper interval to operate the circuit controller 24. The melody disc is arranged to be rotated for a short time at prescribed fifteen-minute intervals. The disc is so arranged that an entire hourmust elapse in order to rotate the disc through one complete revolution. In other words, intermittent rotation of the disc, at quarter-hour intervals, causes advancement of the disc by an average of for each intermittent energization.

The disc or drum may be of the conventional type often encountered in connection with music boxes, or the like. A simple form is illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3. Here, a disc 96 is shown as mounted on the horizontal shaft I62. This disc is metallic, serving as a common ground for a number of pins which are supported on the disc. These pins are indicated generally by small One group of pins I63 corresponds to the quarter hour melody; another group I64 corresponds to the half hour melody; another group I85 corresponds to the three-quarter hour melody; and still another group 166 corresponds to the melody played hourly.

The pins cooperate with combs A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, J, K, L, M, N, P, Q, R, S, T, and U.

These combs are in the form of spring conducting wires mounted on an insulation base it? arranged generally radially of the disc 98, and in front of it. Each comb, such as comb A shown in Fig. 3, has an extension M38 by the aid of which it is anchored in the base I61. It extends beyond the bottom of the base in order to provide a means for making an electrical connection to the comb. The comb A has a free end I69 which is V-shaped, projecting beyond the front edge of the block or base lfil. These free ends I69 lie in the path of the pins as disc is rotated in a clockwise direction. As the pins progress ends by the aid of the projections i68, considerable fiexure is permitted during the movement of the pin past the ends 569.

Circuit controller 24 provides a common ground 26 for all of the circuit control pins mounted on'the rotary circuit controller. When a pin on the melody disc 96 makes contact with a comb, that comb is grounded and a circuit is completed to perform a controlling action.

Thus, for example, when comb K, connected to one of the terminals of relay I4, contacts a pin on the melody disc during the course of its rotation, the relay I4 is energized as follows: from ground secondary winding In of transformer I, conductors 21 and 28, front contacts 29 of a master relay 30, conductors 3| and 32, relay I4, comb K, the pin on the melody disc, back to ground 26.

That portion of this circuit included from ground II to conductor 3| forms a part of the energizing circuits for all of the relays H5, i8, 20, and 22.

Thus, from conductor 3|, conductors 33, 34, 35, and 36 lead respectively to one terminal of the relays |6, |3, 2|], and 22. The other terminals of these relays are connected respectively to combs J, H, G, and L and, when any of the appropriate pins on the melody disc ground these combs, the melody circuits are completed through the front contacts l5, l1, l9, 2| or 23 operated by relays |4, |6, I8, 20, and 22 respectively, through circuits to be hereinafter described. In connection with the front contacts 23 of relay 22, a disconnecting switch 31 is included to render the hour note optionally ineffective. In connection with front contacts l5, l1, I6, 2| of relays |4, |6, l8, and 20 respectively, a disconnecting switch 8| is included to render the melody notes optionally ineffective.

The motor 25 for operating the melody disc mechanism 24 is operated periodically at definite times to play the melody and to strike the hour note as required. The manner in which this motor is controlled will now be set forth.

In order to provide the timing functions, a timer mechanism is provided including a clock motor 38. This clock motor 38 is arranged to be continuously driven through the following circuit: ground I transformer winding l9, conductor [3, motor 38, and ground 39. This motor 38 is provided with a twenty-four hour shaft 40,

a twelve hour shaft 4|, and an hour shaft 42.

Each of these shafts carries circuit controllers for the cyclic operation of the melody disc motor 25. and other elements of the control system.

Thus, for example, the twenty-four hour shaft, rotating once in twenty-four hours, carries a cam disc 43, which rotates once in twenty-four hours. It is arranged as to cut out the chime mechanism for a period corresponding to the angular extent of the active arcuate portions of the disc. It is shown diagrammatically in the drawings as controlling contacts 44. The disc 43 ,may be angularly set so that these contacts 44 are engaged only during a specified period of the day.

On the hour shaft 42 are mounted a number of cam discs 45, 46, 41, 48, 49, and 53. Disc 45 has, at quarter-hour intervals, cut-out portions which permit contacts to close for a period of about three minutes. Similarly, disc 46 has at half-hour intervals, cut-out portions arranged so that at half-hour intervals contacts 52 are closed for a period of about three minutes. Similarly, disc 4'! has one cut-out portion permitting contacts 53 to close once in an hour for a period of about three minutes. The contacts 5|, 52, and

53 are opened by the disc periphery as soon as .6 these cut-out portions move out of contact operating position.

By the aid of a switch mechanism 54, it is possible to determine whether the melody will be sounded quarter-hourly, half-hourly, or on the hour. For this purpose, contacts 5| are connected by a conductor 55 to a contact 53. Similarly, contacts 52 are connected by conductor 51 to a contact 58. Contacts 53 are connected, as by conductor 59, to a contact 68. An adjustable arm 6|, connected to ground 62, can make a connection with any one of the contact members 56, 53 or 60. This arm 6| may have an off-position, as indicated on the drawings.

When contact arm 6| engages contact 56, then disc 45 is active as a control. Similarly, when arm 51 engages contact member 58, disc 46 is active; likewise, when contact arm 6| engages contact member 66, the hour disc 4'! is active.

Assuming that disc 45, corresponding to quarter-hourly playing of the melody, is active, the disc 45, at one minute prior to the time the melody is to sound, causes contacts 5| to close. This closes a circuit for a master relay to through the following connections: ground transformer winding Hi, conductor 21, conductor 63, relay at, junction 54, conductor 55, set of contacts 66, contacts 44, conductor 61, contacts 5|, contacts 56, and 6 back to ground 62. The purpose of contacts 65 will be explained hereinafter. These must be closed or otherwise. the melody control is inactive.

Junction 65 provides means for rendering the melody control entirely inactive by aid of a remote control switch H0.

Since contacts 52 and 53 are in parallel with contacts 51, it is apparent that the circuit for master relay 32 will be closed at half-hour intervals when disc 45 is active, or at hour intervals when disc 41 is active.

Relay 30, being new energized, will cause closing of the front contacts 29; and, by aid of conductors 21, 2B, and 3|, the chime relays |4, |6, I8, 20, and 22 are energized as pins engage combs G, H, J, K, and L of the melody disc as follows: ground secondary winding Iii, connections 21 and 28, front contacts 26, connection 3|, any one of relays |4, |6, I8, 23 or 22, the corresponding comb G, H, J, K, or L, a pin on the melody disc, to ground 26.

The group of pins l33, Hi5, I65, and IE6, as shown in Fig. 2, are the pins that cooperate with combs G, H, J, and K, in definite pre-arranged sequence to produce the desired melody.

The corresponding chime operating circuit (as for example chime #1) is then energized as follows: ground l, winding |l!, connection l2, chime #1, connection 3, contacts l5, connection 80, chime disconnecting switch 8|, junction 64, connection 65, contacts 66, 44, connection 67, one of the sets of contacts 5|, 52 or 53, the corresponding connection 55, 51 or 59, the corresponding contact 56, 58 or B0, arm 6| and ground 62. Should the hour note chime relay 22 be the one that is energized, the circuit is the same except that it includes switch 31 and connection instead of connection 80 and switch 8|.

' By operation of switches 31 and 8|, the sounding of the hour note or of the melody notes can be rendered ineffective.

-At the same time, the master relay 30 closes another set of front contacts 68, which causes energization of the chimes amplifier 2 through a manually operated switch 69. This switch 69 7 may be used to connect or disconnect the chimes amplifier 2.

The motor 25, which operates the melody disc 96, has its circuit completed at quarter-hourly periods by the aid of the disc 48. The cut-out portions of this disc 48 are so arranged that, at the exact quarter-hour, a ground connection 10 is established through contacts 1|; in other words, the contacts H close one minute after the master relay 30 is operated.

Establishment of ground it causes motor to rotate. The circuit for the motor can be traced as follows: ground Til, contacts ii, conductor 12, back contacts 13 of a relay '14, motor 25, conductor 21, secondary winding iii, and ground M.

This motor operates every quarter-hour even when the half-hour disc (65 or the hour disc 37 is active. However, the master relay then closes only half-hourly or hourly, and the melody is not sounded except on the half-hour or hour, since only then are the front contacts 2% closed by operation of disc ti: or :37. Thus, it is assured that the melody disc will be rotated nevertheless to the proper control position for each active operation.

The back contact it of relay it is provided in order to stop the rotation of motor 25 after the melody disc reaches a definite angular position.

Accordingly, when the melody is completed, comb T, connected to one terminal of the relay 14, is grounded by theaid of a pin on the melody disc. There are four pins iii near the periphery of the disc at (Fig. 2) which cooperate with the comb T to ground this comb. These pins are angularly spaced to correspond to the termination of the quarter hour melody, the half hour melody, the three quarter hour melody, and the termination of the hour toll. When any pin lid grounds comb T, relay it is energized to open a the contacts '13 and to stop the melody disc. The relay M is energized through the following circuit: common ground 26 of the melody disc mechanism 24, comb T, relay l l, connection 75, connection It, contacts Ti, conductor iflli and i3, sechas been sounded, including the hour toll. Shortly after contact 76 opens by operation of disc 28, the contacts ll open, releasing relay l4 and pla ing it in operative condition for the next cycle of melody disc operation. I

The mode of energization of relays l4, i6, i8, 20, and 22 has already been set forth. As here-- tofore stated, when these relays are energized, the front contacts I5, il", i9, 29, and 2t operate to cause actuation of the chimes in sequence as their respective combs are grounded. The complete connections for the chime operating cir cuits, including the front contacts of these relays, have already been set forth. Contacts 66 are operated by a safety disc 82 rotated by a timer motor 83. This disc 82 rotates once in fifteen minutes. The cut-out portion on this disc 82 is such as to maintain the main control circuits closed only for three minutes out of every fifteen event the melody mechanism is stalled during an operative period, the supply of power to the entire system can occur only for three minutes out of every fifteen minutes. Thereby, injury to the mechanism is prevented.

The motor 88 isenergized from the same source as, and is in parallel with, motor 38.

Arrangements are made to sustain the last note of the melody by locking relay i4, it, or 22 at the conclusion of the melody playing period. This is accomplished by the aid of comb S, connected to one terminal of a note sustaining relay 84. This note sustaining relay is energized when a pin on melody disc makes contact with comb S. The pins I'H disposed around the periphery of the disc 96 (Fig. 2) cooperate with the comb S for completing the sustaining circuit. Under such circumstances, this relay is energized through the following circuit: ground 26, comb S, relay t l, connection 31 front contacts 29 of master relay Bil, connections 28 and 27, transformer winding it, and ground 5 i.

As soon as this circuit is completed, front contacts andtt close. Contacts 85 serve to lock the relay, since it forms a by-pass for the comb S and its pin through ground 87.

Front contacts 86 similarly serve to lock relay i i, it or 22, depending upon which one has been energized, through the following circuit: ground 8?, contacts 8%, connection 88, front contacts 83, or se, or 3i, depending upon which one of the relays it, it, or 22 is energized, connection 92, or 93, or 9 5, through relay I l, E6, or 22, common connection 35, front contacts 29 of master relay 36, connections 28, and 271, transformer winding it, and ground ii.

The relay 22, in addition to its function of controlling a chime, is'also used to produce the hour strike. The hour strike is produced on the hour, after the last note of the melody has been sounded, by appropriate spacing of pins on the melody disc. Commonly, the hour strike corresponds to the hour of the day, there being one stroke for one oclock and a. correspondingly greater number of strokes for succeeding hours.

In order that the manner in which this function is produced may be clarified, a diagrammatic illustration of the melody disc is indi cated adjacent comb L by the aid of the circle 9% (see also Fig. 2). Twelve pins 97 are illustrated on the melody disc, and which are intended to cooperate with comb L so as to give ground each time one of the pins passes comb L. These twelve pins 9'! are supplemental to all of the other pins that cooperate with the various combs to produce the melody, and for performing the other control functions of the melody disc.

A rotary switch arm is mounted upon the twelve-hour shaft iii. This arm 95 is arranged successively to make contact with the hour contacts numbered from one to twelve onthe stationary support 98. These hour contacts are intended to be spaced apart by 30 corresponding to the hourly travel of the hour hand. Each of these hour contacts, accordingly, is closed in succession on the hour. Connections from the hour contacts from one to eleven proceed to the combs numbered as illustrated in the diagram.

The twelve pins 9? contact comb L in succession. As a pin of this series makes and breaks contacts with the comb, a circuit is made and broken for the relay 22. This relay circuit is traced as follows: from ground 26, one of the pins 91, comb L, relay 22, connections 36 and 3|, front contacts 29 of master relay 30, connections 28 and 21, transformer winding 10, to ground II.

This successive energization and deenergization of relay 22 would cause the front contacts 23 correspondingly to close and open in succession; and the hour note chime would be struck twelve times, via the connection 1. However, the circuits controlled by the switch arm 95 are so arranged that, at the hours of one to eleven, the relay 22 is maintained energized after the appropriate number of pins 91 has contacted comb L. This locking-in of the relay 22 thus causes the last hour note to be sustained.

Let us assume that the time is one oclock. In this position, the contact arm 95, as indicated in Fig. 1, is connected to comb A. The first of the series of contact pins 113 (Fig. 2) is in contact with comb A when contact arm 95 is connected to comb A. Accordingly, the contact arm 95 is grounded by the first pin |13, as indicated in Fig. 2. The first of the pins 91 is, at the same time, in contact with comb L, and ground is given to that comb.

The first of these pins 91 causes relay 22 to be energized through the following circuit: common ground 26, the lowermost of the pins 91, comb L, relay 22, connections 36 and 3|, front contacts 29 of master relay 30, connections 28 and 21, secondary winding Hi, to ground Accordingly, at the hour of one oclock, the hour note chime is struck by energization of this relay, and. through a circuit including the front contacts 23 of relay 22 as hereinbefore traced.

A circuit is also completed through relay 86 at this instant (corresponding to one oclock) as follows: from common ground 26, the first of the pins I13, comb A, contact arm 95, connection 99, relay 84, connection 3|, front contacts 29 of 'master relay 30, connections 28 and 21, secondary winding l0, and ground Just as soon as this occurs, the relay 84 is locked in energized position through its front contacts 85. The relay holding circuit may be traced from ground 81, front contacts 85, relay 84, connection 3|, front contacts 29, connections 28 and 21, secondary winding H), and ground I In this way, the relay 84 remains energized until the master relay 30 is deenergized at the end of the playing interval.

Relay 84 has an additional set of front contacts 86. These front contacts maintain relay 22 continuously energized through the following circuit: ground 81, front contacts 86, connection 88, front contacts 9| of relay 22, connection 94, relay 22, connection 36, front contacts 29 of master relay 3|], connections 28 and 21, secondary winding H] of transformer 1', and ground Accordingly, the hour note chime is struck once for this position of the switch arm 95; and, thereafter, the relay 22 is maintained energized until the end of the playing period. Successive contacting of pins 91 with comb L has no effect upon the chime circuits. The relay 22 being thus energized but once, only one hour note is sounded.

Now, let us assume that the hour is two oclock. In this position, the switch arm 95 is connected to comb B. The second of the series of pins H3 is then grounded by comb B so as to provide an energizing circuit for relay 84, as hereinabove traced in connection with comb A. However, this grounding is not effective until the second of the pins 91 has arrived at comb L. In other words, the relay 22 was energized and deenergized by the passage of the first pin 91, and it was again energized when the second of the pins 91 reaches the comb L. At this second stroke of the hour chime, the relays 84 and 22 are locked in energized position, and no further sounding of the hour note can take place.

At three o'clock, the third of the pins 13 is in contact with comb C, and the third of the pins 91 is in contact with comb L. In that position, corresponding to the movement of the third pin 91 into contact with comb L, the arm 95 completes the holding circuit for the relay 84.

This proceeds continuously except that, at the hour of twelve, the relay 22 is looked after all twelve pins 91 are eifective to toll the hour, by aid of a melody disc pin |1| that contacts comb S, causing energization of relay 84.

It is essential that the melody disc 95 be kept in synchronisrn with the hour shaft 42. In this way, the melody will be *nayed and the tolling of the hour will be consistent with the movement of the hour shaft 52.

For this purpose use is made of a synchronizing circuit effective once an hour preliminarily to the energization of master relay 3E]. The cam discs 49 and 59 are arranged for this synchronizing function, as well as a relay I shown at the extreme right of the diagram.

Both the discs 49 and 59 are provided with cutout portions it! and H32. Cut-out portion H3! is arranged to permit contacts 11 to close six minutes before the hour and to open three minutes before the hour. In this way, this cut-out portion does not interfere with the operation of the other cut-out portions on this disc.

The cut-out portion I02 on disc 5%) is arranged to cause closing of the contacts H13 shortly after contacts '51 close, that is, at about five and onehalf minutes before the hour. This cut-out portion H12 opens the contacts I93 at three and onehalf minutes before the hour.

At the end of a complete revolution of the melody discmechanism 24, a pin I12 on the melody disc is at the proper position to ground comb U, provided the disc is in synchronism. Nothing happens, however, until contacts 11 engage at each hour period. This causes energization of the relay I29 once each hour, through the following circuit: common ground 25, comb U, relay H19, connection 16, contacts 11, connection I04, connection l3, secondary winding l0, and ground II. If the melody disc is in synchronism at the end of an hour period, the pin I12 on the melody disc and comb U serves to complete this circuit, and relay H30 is energized, at six minutes before the hour, when disc 49 permits contacts 11 to close. Under such circumstances, the relay Hill is energized, and its back contacts I95 are opened.

However, if the disc is not in synchronism, this circuit is open at comb U, even after contacts 11 close. A half -minute later, when contacts I93 are engaged, the motor 25 of the melody disc apparatus 24 is energized through the following circuit: ground I06, contacts I83, connection Hi1, back contacts E95, motor 25, connection 21, sec ondary winding Hi, to ground The melody disc is then rotated until comb U is contacted by the pin on the melody disc. When this occurs, the relay 523 is energized as hereinabove set forth, and the motor circuit is opened at back contacts I85.

This synchronizing function, of course, is completed about three minutes before the hour so as not to interfere with the succeeding playing of the melody and the tolling of the hour. This is accomplished by making the cut-out portions ml and H32 of appropriate angular extent.

The complete cycle of operations may now be set forth. When the mechanism is to function. one or the other of a set of contacts i, 52, and 53 is engaged, by operation of the disc 45, 35, or ii; as well as the contacts Ti associated with the melody rotor disc 4. Then the master relay 3i! is energized through ground 62, switching mechanism 54, contacts i l and 66, relay 3D, and conductor 63.

The front contacts 29 of master relay 3% then makes appropriate connections to control relays 14, l6, I8, 20, and 22 which are to be operated by the rotation of the melody disc. The melody disc at this time is still stationary. However, exactly on the quarter-hour, contacts 1! are permitted to close by movement of disc $3. This starts the melody disc through energization of motor 25 through ground ill, contacts ll, connection 72,

back contacts it, motor 25, and connection 2?. The melody disc then gives appropriate ground in the proper desired sequence to combs G, H, J, K, and L, playing the melody, on the quarter, half and three-quarter hour. At the conclusion of the melody, comb S, associated with relay 8-5, is grounded and the last note is sustained. Now, on the hour after the hour melody is played, the hour chime becomes eifective by giving ground to comb L in succession, corresponding to the hour as determined by the position of arm 9%. After this is accomplished, comb T of relay M is given ground, and this relay is energized to stop the rotation of the melody disc by opening of contacts 13. This relay locks itself in energized position by front contacts 18. Relay i i remains closed until after the disc 4!! causes opening of contacts l1, and any one of discs (15, '36, and ll causes opening of one of the sets of contacts associated with the discs to ale-energize the master relay 38'.

The system. is now ready for the next cycle of operation.

The inventor claims:

1. In a chime control system: a series of circuits, each of which includes an electrically operated circuit controller, said circuit controller being operable in proper sequence to energize said circuits in said sequence to actuate chimes for producing a melody; a master circuit controller controlling all of said circuits; a timing device for periodically energizing said master circuit controller; and means operated by the timing device for completing the energizing circuits of said series of circuit controllers in a desired order.

2. In a chime control system: a timer; an hour note controller having a contact carrying member moved by the timer; a series of circuits closed by said member in succession at hourly intervals; means for transmitting a succession of electrical impulses on the hour; and means limiting the number of effective impulses in accordance with the position of the contact carrying member.

3. In a chime control system: a plurality of chime members; a timer; an hour note controller having a contact carrying member moved by the timer; a series of circuits closed by said member in succession at hourly intervals; a progressively movable switching device having provisions for hourly transmitting twelve impulses in succession; a relay circuit energized by said impulses for causing a chime member to be sounded whenever the relay in the relay circuit is energized; and means operated by said contact carrying member to determine the number of energizations of the relay.

4. In a chime control system: a timer; an hour note controller having a contact carrying member moved by the timer; a series of circuits closed by said member in succession at hourly intervals; a rotary circuit controller for transmitting a series of impulses, said series being repeated at hourly intervals; and means operated by the contact carrying member to limit the number of effective impulses of the series.

5. In a chime control system: a timer; an hour note controller having a contact carrying member moved by the timer; a series of circuits closed by said member in succession at hourly intervals; a rotary circuit controller for transmitting a series of impulses, said series being repeated at hourly intervals; and means operated by the contact carrying member to limit the number of effective impulses of the series, comprising a relay adapted to be energized and deenergized in accordance With said series of impulses; and a circuit for maintaining said relay energized by said contact carrying member.

6. In a chime control system: a rotary circuit controller; a chime actuating mechanism; a circuit controlled by said controller for energizing said mechanism through said controller, said controller having spaced contacts for producing the desired succession of musical sounds; a timer for periodically moving said circuit controller; and means periodically operated by said timer just prior to an active period of the circuit controller for moving the circuit controller to a position in synchronism with the timer.

7. In a chime control system: a rotary circuit controller; a chime actuating mechanism; an energizing circuit for operating said mechanism and controlled by said controller, said controller having spaced contacts for producing the desired succession of musical sounds; a timer for periodically moving said circuit controller; and means periodically operated by said timer just prior to an active period of the circuit controller for ensuring that the circuit controller position is in synchronism with the timer, comprising a circuit for controlling movement of the circuit controller; and a synchronizing circuit having a pair of sets of contacts in series that must both be closed to prevent energization of said movement controlling circuit, one of said sets being operated by the timer prior to the normal actuation of the rotary circuit controller, and the other set being operated by the rotary controller only when the rotary controller is in synchronized position.

8. In a chime control system: a rotary circuit controller; a chime actuating mechanism energizing circuit for operating said mechanism and controlled by said controller, said controller having spaced contacts for producing the desired succession of musical sounds; a timer for periodically operating said circuit controller; and means periodically operated by said timer just prior to an active period of the circuit controller for ensuring that the circuit controller position is in synchronism with the timer, comprising a synchronizing circuit that controls movement of the circuit controller, and including a pair of sets of contacts in series with said synchronizing circuit that must both be closed to prevent energization of said movement controlling circuit, one of said sets being operated by the timer prior to the normal actuation of the rotary circuit controller, and the other set being operated by the rotary controller only when the rotary controller is in synchronized position; and another set of contacts operated by the timer just before the normal actuation of the rotary controller for energizing the circuit that operates the rotary controller for causing rotation of said rotary controller until both of said pair of sets of contacts close.

9. In a chime control system: chimes having electrically energized strikers; circuits for said strikers; a rotary circuit controller for operating the strikers circuits; a timer; a circuit for operating the rotary controller, said circuit having contacts that are operated to active position for a limited period by the timer to start movement of the rotary controller; and means actuated by the rotary controller for stopping movement thereof upon completion of a cycle of operation.

10. In a chime control system: chimes having electrically energized strikers; one of said chimes being operable for an hour strike; circuits for said strikers; a rotary circuit controller for operating the striker circuits; a timer; a circuit for operating the rotary controller; said circuit having contacts that are operated to active position for a limited period by the timer to start movement of the rotary controller; said rotary controller having contact means operating the striker circuits; a relay operated by the rotary controller to energize the hour strike for sustaining the last note of the melody; and means actuated by the rotary controller for deenergizing the circuit that operates the controller for stopping movement thereof upon completion of a cycle of operations.

11. In a musical instrument control mechanism for striking tones: a first circuit including electrically operated means for striking a tone when energized and for stopping the tone when deenergized; movable circuit control means for energizing said circuit; a second circuit including means for maintaining said first circuit energized for an interval; and a circuit controller operated by movement of said control means sequentially to energize said second circuit after the first circuit is energized.

12. In a musical instrument control mechanism for striking tones: a first circuit; movable control means for cyclically energizing said circuit; said first circuit including means causing the tone to be struck when the first circuit is energized and to be stopped when the circuit is deenergized; a second circuit for maintaining said first circuit energized for an interval when the last tone is sounded; and a circuit controller operated by movement of said control means sequentially to energize said circuit after the first circuit is energized.

13. In a musical instrument control mechanism for striking tones: a circuit including a tone-producing means which, when energized, produces a tone, and which, when deenergized, stops the sounding of the tone; a movable circuit controller including a first series of contacts for successively energizing and deenergizing said circuit; another circuit controller having a second series of contacts; said other circuit controller having an adjustable contact member for contacting any one of said second series of contacts; and a tone sustaining circuit energized through said contact member and any one of said second series for independently energizing said first mentioned circuit.

14. In a musical instrument control mecha nism for striking tones: a rotary controller; motor means for intermittently advancing said controller; a first circuit including an electrically operated tone sounding mechanism controlled by said controller; and means for causing the controller to assume an initial starting position after a complete cycle of operations of the rotary controller, comprising a second circuit for energizing the motor means; a circuit controller in said second circuit, and operative for an interval in advance of a new cycle of operation for energizing the motor means; and means interrupting said second circuit upon arrival of the rotary controller to said initial starting position.

15. In a musical instrument control mechanism for striking tones: a rotary controller; motor means for intermittently advancing said controller; a first circuit including an electrically operated tone sounding mechanism controlled by said controller; a constant speed mechanism for periodically energizing said motor means; and means for causing the controller to assume an initial starting position after a complete cycle of operations of the rotary controller, comprising a second circuit for energizing the motor means; a circuit controller in said second circuit and operated by said constant speed mechanism for energizing said second circuit for an interval in advance of a new cycle of operation; and means interrupting said second circuit upon arrival of the controller to said initial starting position.

16. In an electrically operated musical instrument of the type in which a series of tones, including an hour tone, may be sounded by energization of appropriate operating circuits including electrically operated tone-producers, by aid of a movable circuit controller for said circuits, and in which deenergization of an operating circuit causes the tone to be damped, the combination therewith of: a series of contacts carried by said circuit controller; a relay energized by said series of contacts for successively sounding the hour tone; and means limiting the number of hour tones to be sounded and for sustaining the last hour tone sounded, comprising a sustaining circuit for the relay; and a rotary member active at each hour to complete the sustaining circuit.

17. In an electrically operated musical instrument of the typein which a series of tones may be sounded by energization of appropriate operating circuits including electrically operated tone-producers, by aid of a circuit controller having a motor for moving the controller, said controller having a plurality of sets of contacts for controlling said circuits, the sets being successively operative, the contacts in each set being operated through a cycle; the combination therewith of a constant speed mechanism for periodically energizing the motor; a circuit controller operated by the motor for deenergizing the motor upon completion of a cycle; and a plurality of constant speed contact mechanisms for independently rendering the operating circuits effective; said contact mechanisms progressively controlling said operating circuits at longer intervals, the shortest interval mechanism corresponding to the period between motor energizations.

18. In an electrically operated musical instrument of the type in which a series of tones may be sounded by energization of appropriate operating circuits including electrically operated tone-producers, by aid of a circuit controller for said circuits, and having a motor for moving the controller, said controller having four sets of contacts successively operative as the controller is moved; the combination therewith of: a constant speed mechanism for energizing the motor once each quarter-hour for a playing in- 1 terval; a second energizing circuit including a circuit controller operated by the motor for deenergizing the motor upon completion of a cycle corresponding to a set of contacts; and a plurality of constant speed contact mechanisms, respectively operative each quarter-hour, each half-hour, and each hour, for independently rendering the operating circuits effective.

19. In an electrically operated hour toll system: an hour chime; electric means for striking the chime; a relay having contacts for energizing said electric means; a circuit for energizing said relay; means forming a series of contacts and a cooperating contact relatively movable with respect to the series of contacts to make and break the relay energizing circuit a number of times corresponding to the number of contacts in the series; means causing said relative movement at hourly intervals; and independent means for maintaining the relay circuit energized, comprising: a constant speed device; a switch arm actuated by the device; a second series of contacts successively engaged by the arm in substantially hourly intervals; and a circuit for energizing said relay completed by the switch arm and any of the second series of contacts, the said second series of contacts being so spaced that they maintain the relay energized after the chime has been struck as often as required to correspond to the hour position of the switch arm.

20. In an electrically operated clock chime apparatus: a constant speed mechanism; contacts periodically closed for an interval by said mechanism; a master relay having front contacts and energized when said contacts are closed; electrically energized chime strikers; energizing circuits respectively for said strikers and controlled by said periodically closed contacts; and relays respectively for the striker circuits, each striker relay having front contacts for controlling the striker circuits; and an energizing circuit for each of said striker relays, including a pair of front contacts of said master relay, a motor-driven circuit controller, and means operated by the constant speed mechanism for periodically energising the motor for a period corresponding to the closing of the contacts that control the striker circuits.

21. In an electrically operated clock chime apparatus: electrically energized chime strikers; energizing circuits respectively for said chime strikers; relays respectively controlling said circuits; a periodically actuated circuit controller for energizing said relays in a desired sequence; and means for maintaining at least one of said relays energized beyond the period effected by the circuit controller, comprising an energizing circuit for the relay independent of the circuit controller,

and including a pair of contacts, a sustain note relay closing the contacts when energized, and meanscooperating with the circuit controller for energizing said sustain note relay.

LOUIS A. MAAS.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 760,895 Mayer May 24, 1904 1,398,972 Little Dec. 6, 1921 1,783,375 Butler Dec. 2, 1930 1,924,395 Bossard Aug. 29, 1933 1,958,053 Little May 8, 1934 1,983,236 Little Dec. 4, 193a 2,177,515 Bossard Oct. 24, 1939 2,250,919 Skelly July 29, 1941 

